DOLE recognizes partners in effective delivery of gov't services

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) acknowledged local government units (LGUs), stakeholders, and some individuals as essential partners in its delivery of government services and programs in the Bicol region during an awarding ceremony on Tuesday.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma thanked the awardees for their continued support and appreciation of the agency's activities, programs, and plans aimed at providing quality services to the people of Bicol.

"Today is a day of celebration, a day of recognition for excellence. The term 'oragon' symbolizes your achievements, perseverance, and commitment to success," he said.

Laguesma said the DOLE could not operate effectively without its partners' and stakeholders' trust and assistance.

"With the dedication of our LGU officials, we want to recognize your commitment to realizing our plans and programs that resonate with the community. DOLE will not succeed without your support. As the song goes, 'You are the wind beneath our wings.' Thank you very much," he added.

The labor chief also called for stronger partnership with the awardees, looking ahead to 2025.

DOLE 5 (Bicol) Director Imelda Gatinao commented that the ceremony reflected the resilience of Bicolanos in confronting challenges and adversities.

"The 'oragon' spirit shines in you, dear partners. As we gather to celebrate your remarkable stories of perseverance and meaningful collaboration," she said.

Among the "Pillar of Partnership Award" recipients were the local government units of Bacacay, Camalig, Guinobatan, Malilipot, Oas, Polangui, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, and Tiwi for Albay province.

In Camarines Norte, the towns of Basud, Capalonga, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, and San Vicente were recognized.

Also feted were the towns of Baao, Bula, Cabusao, Camaligan, Caramoran, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Magarao, Nabua, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Presentacion, Sagñay, San Jose, Sipocot, and Tigaon in Camarines Sur.

For Catanduanes province, the towns of Baras, Caramoran, Gigmoto, and Pandan received awards.

In Masbate province, the awardees were Balud, Cataingan, Cawayan, Mandaon, Milagros, Monreal, Palanas, Placer, San Jacinto, and San Pascual, as well as the towns of Barcelona, Bulan, Bulusan, Pilar, Sorsogon City, and Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon province.

Likewise, other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Public Works and Highways were recognized for their extraordinary support and partnerships.

The "Voice of Partnership Awards" were also given to media partners including Brigada News FM, Radyo Pilipinas, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine News Agency, DZGB, GMA7, Radyo Veritas, DZRH, Bombo Radyo, Idol News FM, and DWAY.

Various individuals and groups were given "Kabuhayan Awards", along with corresponding monetary rewards for the awardees of Best DOLE-Assisted Livelihood Project, Best Implementing LGU in the DILP, and Top Performing Focal Persons in various programs. (PNA)